Beyond IT: Making AI and Automation Everyone’s Business | Episode #0006
- 2025-04-18
- Posted by: Brad Groux
- Category: Podcast
In Episode 0006 of Start Small, Think Big, we explore a growing truth in the world of business transformation: AI and automation can’t live in the IT silo anymore. They must become part of the broader business strategy – owned, understood, and leveraged by every team.
Start Small, Think Big: Episode 0006 – Show Notes
Brad Groux, Carrie (Eggleston) Hundley, and Robert Groux break down how tools like Microsoft Copilot are opening the doors for non-technical users to actively participate in AI-driven innovation. From Nvidia’s massive investments in AI infrastructure to the rise of citizen developers, this episode highlights why collaboration between IT and business units is no longer optional – it’s critical.
We discuss real-world examples, the importance of empathy in designing tech solutions, and why clean data and leadership buy-in are non-negotiable. Whether you’re in the C-suite, operations, or customer service, this episode is packed with insights to help your organization make AI and automation everyone’s business.
Let’s break down barriers, build smarter systems, and lead from the front – together.
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Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of making AI and automation accessible to all business units, not just IT. They explore Microsoft’s Copilot as a tool for democratizing AI, Nvidia’s significant investments in AI infrastructure, and the necessity for collaboration between IT and business units. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy in technology solutions, the importance of data quality, and the critical role of leadership in driving AI adoption within organizations.
Keywords
AI, automation, Microsoft Copilot, Nvidia, business strategy, data quality, leadership, IT, collaboration, technology
Takeaways
- AI and automation should be everyone’s business, not just IT’s problem.
- Microsoft’s Copilot is making AI accessible to non-tech users.
- Data quality is crucial for successful AI implementation.
- Empathy is essential for understanding user needs in tech solutions.
- Collaboration between IT and business units enhances AI adoption.
- Leadership buy-in is vital for successful AI initiatives.
- Organizations should embrace citizen developers to foster innovation.
- AI tools can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- Understanding user pain points is key to effective AI solutions.
- AI should be viewed as a business strategy, not just a tech project.
Titles
- Democratizing AI: Making Automation Accessible
- The Future of AI in Business
Sound Bites
- “AI is for everyone, not just techies.”
- “Data is the new oil, it’s the new gold.”
- “Empathy is key in technology solutions.”
Resources
- Survivorship Bias Wikipedia Article
- Netflix Recommendation System White Paper (PDF)
- Ollama
- LM Studio
- Obsidian
- Simon Sinek – Leaders Eat Last, and The Infinite Game
- Michael D. Watkins – The First 90 Days
- Our TikTok & YouTube Shorts
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and Automation
02:07 Microsoft’s Copilot and AI Accessibility
06:04 Competition in AI: Google vs Microsoft
10:02 Nvidia’s Investment in AI Infrastructure
13:56 AI Beyond IT: Making Automation Universal
21:43 The Role of IT in Embracing AI
27:37 Examples of AI in IT Operations
32:57 Navigating Change in Workflows
36:21 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
42:56 The Role of Leadership in AI Adoption
48:24 Creating Spaces for Innovation
53:36 Understanding Data’s Role in AI
59:02 The Importance of Executive Buy-In
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